It has been six weeks since the Sir Ivan fire ravaged upward of 55,000 acres in the Central West, however its devastation remains fresh in the minds of locals who continue to provide support.
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A fundraising effort instigated by a group of Dubbo musicians on Sunday raised upward of $5000 for the Warrumbungle Shire Mayor’s Bushfire Appeal Sir Ivan Fire.
Organiser, Barry Joseph, said around 300 people attended the Monster Variety Concert held at the Dubbo RSL on Sunday afternoon.
“We finished at about $4350,” he said. “Then I was talking to a businessman who does a lot of work out Dunedoo way – Les of Picton Bros home improvements – and he gave me a cheque for $1000.”
The total funds raised from the concert reached $5350.
Mr Joseph extended his appreciation to everyone involved, including musician Roydan Donohue who travelled from Nyngan to perform.
“I really would like to thank the public for supporting it, and for the business houses and musicians for their time,” he said.
“The RSL, Dubbo Printing Works and the media for helping us – it was a combined effort.”
Another business eager to offer their support in the aftermath of the fire is Ramiens Timber Company who donated over $1200 worth of timber to BlazeAid last week.
Head of machinery maintenance at Dunedoo, Wal Branson, thanked Ramiens Timber Company for their donation which will assist him in installing boxes and partitions in 12 of BlazeAid’s trailers.
Wal said the boxes and partitions will prevent unnecessary damage to equipment.
“The upgrade of these 12 trailers will have significant benefits not just at Dunedoo but at the many fire and flood incidents that BlazeAid will assist at right across Australia in future years,” Wal said.
BlazeAid coordinator at Dunedoo, Laurie Dawson, said it is generous donations as such that keeps the volunteer-based organisation operating.
Over 50 volunteers from across Australia are currently camped at Dunedoo Showground as they assist in the clearing and construction of boundary fences on fire-affected properties.
Another 15 volunteers assist with operation of the BlazeAid camp at Dunedoo doing tasks including providing meals, administration, cleaning of the facilities, and the equitable distribution of donated fencing equipment and maintenance of fencing machinery.
Local Dunedoo and Coolah organisations are also assisting in providing quality evening meals for over 70 personnel each day.
People wishing to donate fencing materials, or to assist in fenceline reconstruction can call Mr Dawson at Dunedoo on 0418 349 317 or head to www.blazeaid.com